is it worth it?

[dla5157]

I have a 2004 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 4wd with the 4.6. It now has a knocking that sounds like is coming from the right rear of the engine. Was told either piston or rod. Pretty much would come down to rebuilding, getting a used engine, or a reman engine. Replacing the engine would come down to around to close to $3000 if I did a used one and close to $4000 if I did a reman. Being an 04 with 148,000 miles would this be worth it? I mean I have no other problems with it but having a hard time deciding if I should fix it or not. If not I have no idea what I could even get out of it with a bad engine.

 

[Number4]

I'll give you $800 for it.

These engines are usually pretty good for mileage. Yours is young.

Get a used engine for 1500, buy a cherry picker for $200 and put it in yourself.

 

[2Trux]

What does it cost to fix.
What does it cost to replace.

These are the 2 questions I use to determine if it is worth it.

 

[D Hook]

What he said.

But also, do you want a car payment? Quicker to pay off a new engine than a new car.

 

[only126db]

Change your oil, replace 3 qts with this and see if the sound goes away.

http://lucasoil.com/products/engine-oil-additives/lucas-heavy-duty-oil-stabilizer

Now is it worth it to put $3-$4000 into the truck....?

Look at what you can get for $4-$6000 and see if you think its worth it to you....

 

[5whiskey]

As of last August I paid $3400 (actually $3600 after getting it registered) for an '02 with 120k miles. It's a 4.6l 4wd Eddie Bauer. It's not crapped out either, other than the driver's seat being ripped up pretty bad it's in very good shape. SOO... paying off an engine isn't always cheaper than paying off a vehicle. If you decide to pay more for the remanufactored engine with warranty, you're still looking at a transmission that has been known to be problematic when it gets to higher miles.

Sit down and do some math... make a smart decision. I don't know what cars/trucks are going for in your area, but I could find a comparable explorer (with the miles you have on yours) in decent shape for about the same price you quote for a used engine install around here. Maybe even fewer miles. Of course thoroughly inspect, or have a mechanic inspect, a used vehicle purchase. You could probably get out way cheaper with a self install... if you're comfortable doing it.

 

[dla5157]

Thanks guys. I was able to find a 4.6 from on 03 with 81,000 miles for $900 with a 1 year warranty. I bought my Explorer 3 years ago with 83k miles. So I'm leaning toward getting that. Thats cheaper the the $2200 for a used motor with 102,000 plus $650 for labor to swap it that the garage quoted me.

 

[Number4]

Sounds like a good deal.

 

[morbid81]

you sure its a knocking and not a rattle? if its rattling on cold start the timing tensioners are bad, just replace them. sounds to me like it is judging the location of your noise. these engines have four chains and tensioners. if that isnt the issue get you a 5.0 second gen they are bullet proof

 

[Number4]

4.6 has two chains and they are at the front of the engine.